ALMOST two-thirds of Scots think voters would ditch Brexit if given the chance in a new referendum, a poll has found.
Research by Survation found 64 per cent believe the UK would decide to stay in the European Union in the event of another vote.
The survey was published by the Scotland for a People’s Vote campaign as it launched in Edinburgh, with activists insisting: “There is no good Brexit – just a range of bad Brexits.”
It shows 59% of Scots support a so-called People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal.
And despite splits emerging in the SNP over the issue, three-quarters of the party’s backers want a fresh vote.
Campaigners are now calling for a cross-party push amid claims of rising support for staying in the EU.
Dr Kirsty Hughes, director of the Scottish Centre on European Relations, said: "We are calling on politicians from all parties in Scotland to respond positively to the case for a People's Vote.
“It's in Scotland's interests to stay in the EU and a strong lead from Scottish politicians can help ensure that the majority in Scotland who support holding a People's Vote is given a voice before the issue comes to the House of Commons."
She added: "I think we have to grab this moment, time is running out.
"We are finally coming the end game of Brexit, and Scotland should demand a chance for everyone across the UK, and especially in Scotland, to express their view on the unfolding Brexit outcome."
Theresa May has ruled out a second Brexit vote, while Labour has so far failed to commit – arguing instead for another General Election.
But last month Nicola Sturgeon said her MPs would “undoubtedly vote” for a referendum on the final deal if given the chance.
The pledge sparked criticism from some within the SNP.
Pete Wishart, the party’s longest-serving representative in Westminster, raised fears it would set a precedent and risk a future independence vote “for nothing”.
He described the First Minister’s position as “little more than an open invitation to have our national view ignored and disrespected all over again”.
Speaking in Edinburgh, People’s Vote campaigners would not take a position on what should happen if Scotland voted to Remain again, but the rest of the UK voted to Leave.
John Edward, who was chief campaign spokesman for Scotland Stronger in Europe during the 2016 referendum, said: “This is a decision, and a discussion today about a People’s Vote on Europe – on nothing else.
“This is not a party political movement. This is not anything to do with constitutional arrangements in the UK.
“This is solely about a People’s Vote on Europe. And it’s for other people to decide after that, depending on the result, what their views are.”
Dr Hughes insisted activists “expect to win if there’s a second vote”, adding: “We don’t take a view as a campaign on the constitutional future. We don’t take a view on future referendums.”
The latest Survation poll shows 63% of Scots back staying in the EU.
Campaigners will hold a Scotland-wide “day of action” on November 10, with street stalls set up in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Inverness and St Andrews.
They are also calling for supporters to write to their MPs and MSPs, and for more councils to come out in favour of a second Brexit vote.
Aberdeenshire Council backed a fresh referendum earlier this year.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel